Protective Index Research Articles

Coupling Coordination Mechanism between Ecological Protection and High Quality Development in the Yellow River Basin

Abstract In the issue of ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, this study deeply discusses the influencing factors of the coupling and coordination level between the two systems by calculating the ecological environment protection and high-quality development, as well as the ecological protection evaluation index system, and using spatial econometric models. The results showed that the average value of the comprehensive evaluation index for ecological protection in the Yellow River Basin grew from 0.253 to 0.351 (2014-2023), and the overall coupling coordination degree was in the range of 0.496 to 0.582. This indicated that the country's emphasis on protecting the Yellow River ecosystem and the implementation of its policies had achieved significant results, and the overall environmental condition of the system had been significantly improved. At the same time, the comprehensive evaluation index for high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin also showed a fluctuating upward tendency, indicating the mutual connection between economic development and ecological environment protection. Tests had shown that the use of oil and water resources had a negative impact on the system degree of coupling and coordination, while other factors had a positive impact. This study provides useful references for environmental protection and sustainable development, and provides guidance for policymakers to achieve ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.

Impact of Climate Risks and Global Uncertainties on Technology and Environmental Protection Stocks: A Study on China

This study aims to examine the relationship between CUM, CPU, CU, and UCT with the FTSE China Technology Index (FTXIN410) and SZSE Environmental Protection Index (SZEPI) using ARDL and NARDL methods. To test the robustness of the model, three additional parametric methods are employed: FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR. The technology and environmental protection sectors in China are crucial for the country's sustainable economic future. Understanding the impact of global and local uncertainties on these sectors is critical for predicting sectoral trends and future market dynamics. Climate uncertainties and global uncertainties can impact investors' returns and market behaviors. In critical sectors such as technology and environmental protection, uncertainties need to be closely monitored for their implications on investment decisions and market stability. The results of the study indicate a long-term relationship between China’s climate uncertainties and global uncertainties with technology and environmental protection indices.

Protective Factors Predict Resilient Outcomes in Clinical High-Risk Youth with the Highest Individualized Psychosis Risk Scores.

Studying individuals at Clinical High Risk (CHR) for psychosis provides an opportunity to examine protective factors that predict resilient outcomes. Here, we present a model for the study of protective factors in CHR participants at the very highest risk for psychotic conversion based on the Psychosis Risk Calculator. CHR participants (N = 572) from NAPLS3 were assessed on the Risk Calculator. Those who scored in the top half of the distribution and had 2 years of follow-up (N = 136) were divided into those who did not convert to psychosis (resilient, N = 90) and those who did (nonresilient, N = 46). Groups were compared based on candidate protective factors that were not part of the Risk Calculator. Better functional outcome was also examined as an outcome measure of resiliency. Study Results: Exploratory analyses suggest that Hispanic heritage, social engagement, desirable life experiences, premorbid functioning and IQ are all potential protective factors that predict resilient outcomes. Reduced startle reactivity, brain area and volume were also associated with greater resilience. The primary focus of CHR research has been the risk and prediction of psychosis, while less is known about protective factors. Clearly, a supportive childhood environment, positive experiences, and educational enrichment may contribute to better premorbid functioning and brain development, which in turn contribute to more resilient outcomes. Therapies focused on enhancing protective factors in the CHR population are logical preventive interventions that may benefit this vulnerable population. Future CHR research might use similar models to develop a "protective index" to predict resilient outcomes.

The Evolving Jurisprudence of Environmental Protection in India: A Critical Analysis of the Judiciary’s Role.

The Indian judiciary has played a significant role in the environmental protection, utilizing its powers to interpret and enforce environmental legislations, upholding constitutional provisions, and address Public Interest Litigations. The environmental judgment of the court, in many cases, have significant impacts on the overall environmental protection and improvement process in India. Judicial activism, particularly in present times, has given new direction in the protection and improvement of the environment. The landmark judgments and orders of the Supreme Court and High Courts have triggered a wave of environment awareness and consciousness in our country. The Indian judiciary has developed certain environmental principles while dealing with the cases of environment protection. The aim of this paper is to analyse how the Supreme Court and High Courts make decisions about the environment. For this purpose, most of the important decisions made by our Supreme Court on important environmental issues have been collected and analysed. Analysing the case law is primarily focused on the influence or role played by the court on environmental issues.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Nuclear Energy's Role in Sustainability and Environmental Protection in India

The world today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the profound and far-reaching impacts of climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deteriorating ecosystems only serve to underscore the urgency of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Governments across the globe are intensifying their climate policies, striving to meet the ambitious goals set forth in international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Central to these efforts is the systematic decarbonization of national energy mixes [1], where nations are increasingly turning to green and clean technologies to power their economies and ensure sustainable electrification. In this global race to mitigate climate change, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower are often highlighted as the vanguards of a sustainable future [2]. However, the challenge lies not only in generating sufficient clean energy but also in ensuring a reliable and continuous supply that can meet the growing demands of an energy-hungry world.

Legal and Commercial Dynamics of E-Consumer Protection: Navigating Challenges in India's Digital Economy

India's digital economy has experienced rapid growth, significantly transforming consumer behavior and market practices. This expansion has underscored the critical need for robust e-consumer protection frameworks to address the rising incidents of fraud, data breaches, and unfair trade practices. This study delves into the legal and commercial dynamics influencing e-consumer protection in India, beginning with an exploration of the historical evolution of consumer protection laws. It analyzes key legislation such as the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, assessing their relevance and effectiveness in the digital age. The study also examines the commercial dynamics of India's e-commerce sector, focusing on various business models like B2C, C2C, and platform-based businesses, and their implications for consumer rights. Additionally, it identifies challenges such as enforcement issues, jurisdictional complexities in cross-border transactions, and the impact of technological advancements, including data privacy concerns and cybersecurity threats. A comparative analysis of international best practices, particularly from the EU and the USA, provides insights into global standards in e-consumer protection and how these can be adapted to the Indian context. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening existing legal frameworks, enhancing regulatory oversight, and encouraging self-regulation and ethical practices among e-commerce players. It also explores future trends and innovations that could further shape e-consumer protection in India. By addressing these challenges and proposing actionable solutions, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future directions of e-consumer protection in India's evolving digital economy.

Institutionalization Of Children And Their Overall Development

The ideal environment for children's physical, psychological, and emotional development is within a family. All children should live in supportive, protective, and caring settings that enables them to achieve their full potential. Those with inadequate or no parental care are especially at risk of missing out on such nurturing environments. Many children in India lack a stable home and family. These include abandoned, surrendered, and orphaned children, as well as destitute children with families. These children are particularly vulnerable in terms of their right to survival, development, and protection. The State is accountable for protecting the rights pertaining to these children and ensuring appropriate alternative care through its competent authorities, such as nongovernmental organizations and civil society organizations. The Government also enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, which serves as the major legislative framework for child protection in India, ensuring the security, protection, education, welfare, and development of children in need. The paper attempts to explore the institutionalization of children, the shortcomings of such a process, and the felt needs of the children. It focuses on the concerns of institutionalization and the overall development of children, access to their rights, welfare provisions, and relevant legislations. It also looks at adoption as an alternative to institutionalization. The paper thus examines child care institutions from the perspective of the child and argues that institutional care should be the last resort. It also discusses contemporary social work and advocates for alternative care, along with comprehensive welfare measures to guarantee the protection and overall development of children in need

The Effectiveness of 2020 E-Commerce Rules in Protecting Consumer Rights

This paper critically evaluates the effectiveness of India’s Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 in safeguarding consumer rights within the rapidly growing digital marketplace. The 2020 rules, introduced under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, were designed to address challenges arising from the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, including issues related to transparency, grievance redressal, counterfeit products, and data protection. The paper examines how these rules have enhanced consumer protection by mandating clear product information, establishing robust grievance mechanisms, and promoting accountability among e-commerce platforms. However, the implementation of the rules faces several challenges, such as uneven enforcement across platforms, limited consumer awareness, and difficulties in regulating cross-border transactions. Additionally, the paper explores the gaps in data privacy protections and the ongoing issues of counterfeit goods within online marketplaces. While the rules represent a significant step forward in regulating the e-commerce sector, this analysis highlights the need for continued regulatory oversight, technological innovation, and consumer education to ensure that the rules are effectively implemented and enforced. The paper concludes that although the 2020 E-Commerce Rules have made strides in protecting consumer rights, further reforms are necessary to address emerging challenges and ensure equitable consumer protection in India’s expanding e-commerce ecosystem.

The Conservation Challenge: Environmental and Legal Aspects of One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) Protection in India

The natural environment, with its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, serves as a vital refuge for a wide array of majestic animals and vibrant plant life, playing a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our planet's ecological systems. One particularly remarkable species, the Greater One-Horned Rhino, faces the serious and pressing threat of being classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to rampant poaching and the relentless loss of its natural habitat. In the Indian subcontinent, home to a significant population of these incredible creatures, the rhino's existence is under severe jeopardy, leading to distressing conflicts between human communities and the rhinos as the animals venture beyond protected areas in search of sustenance. Despite the presence of both national and international regulations, the peril to their existence persists, casting a shadow over their future. It is imperative that we take swift and effective measures to safeguard this magnificent species. This paper is dedicated to thoroughly examining the status of the Greater One-Horned Rhinos and to proposing practical and viable solutions aimed at ensuring their protection and survival for generations to come.

PROTECTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN INDIA: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

International investment agreements are the tools of international law by which two or more countries give reciprocal assurance for the protection of foreign investment in their countries. Long before there was no such regime of international property protection. In colonial time the foreign property was subject of the law of foreigner. At that time there was no certainty in international property regime. India had paid heavy price for the same. This paper tries to map out the whole journey of development of international property protection in India. In the first part paper tries to find out the international rule for the protection of foreign property in India. Unfortunately there was no such universal regime prevalent in any part of the world for the protection of foreign property. Second part deals with the development of International property protection in in post-colonial period. In this period newly independent colonies did not trust the foreigners due to its chequered history. Third part deals with the period after liberalization, privatisation and globalisation. In this period India had embraced the international investment law regime as an overall strategy of liberalization, privatisation and globalisation. In this period India had signed most of its International investment agreements. However, in this period India also faced with multiple investment claims by many foreign investors. In wake of these investment claims India had recently spelled out its new Model BIT and terminated its most of the International investment agreements. And finally concludes that there is some problem with the new Model BIT due to which Indian government still facing difficulty in inking new international investment agreements with the countries with whom India has had deep economic ties.

The illegalisation of Rohingya refugees in India: a (non)citizenship crisis promoted by law and policy

ABSTRACT Detentions and a looming threat of deportations have significantly increased for Rohingya refugees since 2017, when the Indian government drastically changed its protection policy and categorised them as ‘illegal migrants’ under law. The result has been an impetus to the security authorities to proactively detect and monitor with the eventual aim to detain and deport Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Fuelling such illegalisation process is the Indian authorities’ arbitrary manipulation and contraction of the long-standing hosting of certain ‘non-citizen’ refugees in the country to suit the politics of the day. In addition, the Supreme Court (ostensibly the arbiter of rights for all within India’s territory) recently issued an interim order which effectively approved this Rohingya refugee ‘illegalisation’ position, hardening the perilous illegalisation of the community in India. To interrogate these developments, the present article analyses the growing illegalisation through detention and deportation of Rohingyas in India by contextualising the conception of ‘non-citizenship’ as a legal status and a normative category. The article proposes that the notion of ‘non-citizenship’ must be engaged with in a broader analytical manner than a static illegality based on lack of documents, in legal, judicial and policy discussions around refugee protection in India.

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) after four years of implementation – is it making an impact on quality of inpatient care and financial protection in India?

BackgroundIndia launched a national health insurance scheme named Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in 2018 as a key policy for universal health coverage. The ambitious scheme covers 100 million poor households. None of the studies have examined its impact on the quality of care. The existing studies on the impact of AB-PMJAY on financial protection have been limited to early experiences of its implementation. Since then, the government has improved the scheme’s design. The current study was aimed at evaluating the impact of AB-PMJAY on improving utilisation, quality, and financial protection for inpatient care after four years of its implementation.MethodsTwo annual waves of household surveys were conducted for years 2021 and 2022 in Chhattisgarh state. The surveys had a sample representative of the state’s population, covering around 15,000 individuals. Quality was measured in terms of patient satisfaction and length of stay. Financial protection was measured through indicators of catastrophic health expenditure at different thresholds. Multivariate adjusted models and propensity score matching were applied to examine the impacts of AB-PMJAY. In addition, the instrumental variable method was used to address the selection problem.ResultsEnrollment under AB-PMJAY was not associated with increased utilisation of inpatient care. Among individuals enrolled under AB-PMJAY who utilised private hospitals, the proportion incurring catastrophic health expenditure at the threshold of 10% of annual consumption expenditure was 78.1% and 70.9% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The utilisation of private hospitals was associated with greater catastrophic expenditure irrespective of AB-PMJAY coverage. Enrollment under AB-PMJAY was not associated with reduced out-of-pocket expenditure or catastrophic health expenditure.ConclusionsAB-PMJAY has achieved a large coverage of the population but after four years of implementation and an evidence-based increase in reimbursement prices for hospitals, it has not made an impact on improving utilisation, quality, or financial protection. The private hospitals contracted under the scheme continued to overcharge patients, and purchasing was ineffective in regulating provider behaviour. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of publicly funded health insurance schemes on financial protection in other low- and middle-income countries.

Regulating Children’s Personal Data Protection in India: No Child’s Play

Regulating Children’s Personal Data Protection in India: No Child’s Play

Application prospects of the 2BS cell-adapted China fixed rabies virus vaccine strain 2aG4-B40

BackgroundRabies is a fatal zoonotic disease whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, and vaccination is the only effective method for protecting against rabies virus infection. Most inactivated vaccines are produced using Vero cells, which are African green monkey kidney cells, to achieve large-scale production. However, there is a potential carcinogenic risk due to nonhuman DNA contamination. Thus, replacing Vero cells with human diploid cells may be a safer strategy. In this study, we developed a novel 2BS cell-adapted rabies virus strain and analysed its sequence, virulence and immunogenicity to determine its application potential as a human diploid cell inactivated vaccine.Methods and resultsThe 2BS cell-adapted rabies virus strain 2aG4-B40 was established by passage for 40 generations and selection of plaques in 2BS cells. RNA sequence analysis revealed that mutations in 2BS cell-adapted strains were not located at key sites that regulate the production of neutralizing antibodies or virulence in the aG strain (GQ412744.1). The gradual increase in virulence (remaining above 7.0 logLD50/ml from the 40th to 55th generation) and antigen further indicated that these mutations may increase the affinity of the adapted strains for human diploid cells. Identification tests revealed that the 2BS cell-adapted virus strain was neutralized by anti-rabies serum, with a neutralization index of 19,952. PrEP and PEP vaccination and the NIH test further indicated that the vaccine prepared with the 2aG4-B40 strain had high neutralizing antibody levels (2.24 to 46.67 IU/ml), immunogenicity (protection index 270) and potency (average 11.6 IU/ml).ConclusionsIn this study, a 2BS cell-adapted strain of the 2aG4 rabies virus was obtained by passage for 40 generations. The results of sequencing analysis and titre determination of the adapted strain showed that the mutations in the adaptive process are not located at key sequence regions of the virus, and these mutations may enhance the affinity of the adapted strain for human diploid cells. Moreover, vaccines made from the adapted strain 2aG4-B40 had high potency and immunogenicity and could be an ideal candidate rabies virus strain for inactivated vaccine preparation.

Contours of data protection in India: the consent dilemma

ABSTRACT Amid the rapid advancement of digital technology in India, there is a growing concern regarding data protection and digital privacy. The recent DPDP Act 2023 also reflects the significant emphasis on a robust privacy practice. This paper examines the effectiveness of consent, a crucial principle and a subject of many debates in data privacy regimes. Despite being a cornerstone of privacy regimes globally, the consent-based approach has significant limitations. For instance, its binary character allows for a yes or no response and its inability to guarantee data subjects to make an informed choice. The study is set against the prominent data breaches and the Indian Government’s effort to strengthen data protection measures. The study also examines the theoretical and legal aspects of consent by analysing the fundamental ideas that form the basis of the DPDP Act, 2023, protecting the consent framework. It questions whether the current form of the Act aligns with the landmark Privacy Judgement. It concludes by exploring alternative and more adaptable mechanisms for implementing informational privacy that might effectively address the specific issues in the Indian context while taking inspiration from other jurisdictions like the EU.

Chronic Treatment with Oxcarbazepine Attenuates Its Anticonvulsant Effect in the Maximal Electroshock Model in Mice.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of acute and chronic treatment with oxcarbazepine on its anticonvulsant activity, neurological adverse effects, and protective index in mice. Oxcarbazepine was administered in four protocols: once or twice daily for one week (7 × 1 or 7 × 2) and once or twice daily for two weeks (14 × 1 or 14 × 2). A single dose of the drug was employed as a control. The anticonvulsant effect was evaluated in the maximal electroshock test in mice. Motor and long-term memory impairment were assessed using the chimney test and the passive avoidance task, respectively. The concentrations of oxcarbazepine in the brain and plasma were determined via high-performance liquid chromatography. Two weeks of oxcarbazepine treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the anticonvulsant (in the 14 × 1; 14 × 2 protocols) and neurotoxic (in the 14 × 2 schedule) effects of this drug. In contrast, the protective index for oxcarbazepine in the 14 × 2 protocol was found to be lower than that calculated for the control. No significant deficits in memory or motor coordination were observed following repeated administration of oxcarbazepine. The plasma and brain concentrations of this anticonvulsant were found to be significantly higher in the one-week protocols. Chronic treatment with oxcarbazepine may result in the development of tolerance to its anticonvulsant and neurotoxic effects, which appears to be dependent on pharmacodynamic mechanisms.

Estimating the Extent of Water Erosion in Darbandikhan Lake Using a Model Gavrilović Method (EPM) (Erosion Potential Method)

Through the research, it became evident that the soil erosion protection index (Xa) in the very severe category appears to correlate with the spatial distribution of vegetation cover. It covers an area of 80.73 km2, accounting for 17.54%. However, the very weak category is among the weakest in soil protection, occupying areas characterized by water bodies, covering an area of 49.65 km2, or 10.79%. The probability erosion coefficient (Z) indicates a very weak probability of erosion, covering an area of 143.19 km2, or 31.11%. Thes means that 31.11% of the total study area of 460.21 km2 is subject to very weak erosion. The last category, very severe potential erosion, is the least extensive, covering an area of 21.06 km 2, or 4.58%. Regarding the amount of soil lost in the study area, apparent erosion ranges from 0.29 to 50 m3/km2/year. This category is prevalent in the northeastern and northwestern parts, with a clear concentration in the northern parts, covering an area of 35.04 km2, or 7.61%. Severe erosion ranges from 501 to 1500 m3/km2/year, making it the least extensive category in the region, covering the smallest area among the categories, at 19.92 km2, or 4.33%.

Brominated oxime nucleophiles are efficiently reactivating cholinesterases inhibited by nerve agents.

Six novel brominated bis-pyridinium oximes were designed and synthesized to increase their nucleophilicity and reactivation ability of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Their pKa was valuably found lower to parent non-halogenated oximes. Stability tests showed that novel brominated oximes were stable in water, but the stability of di-brominated oximes was decreased in buffer solution and their degradation products were prepared and characterized. The reactivation screening of brominated oximes was tested on AChE and BChE inhibited by organophosphorus surrogates. Two mono-brominated oximes reactivated AChE comparably to non-halogenated analogues, which was further confirmed by reactivation kinetics. The acute toxicity of two selected brominated oximes was similar to commercially available oxime reactivators and the most promising brominated oxime was tested in vivo on sarin- and VX-poisoned rats. This brominated oxime showed interesting CNS distribution and significant reactivation effectiveness in blood. The same oxime resulted with the best protective index for VX-poisoned rats.

Protective effects of esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and curcumin-chitosan mixture on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injuries in female rats

Gastric ulcer is the most common health concern due to alcohol consumption, smoking, and physiological stress. An ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in an animal model resembles the pathophysiology of the human ulcer. The present study attempted to detect the protective effects of esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and a mixture of curcumin and chitosan on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats. The present study included 60 rats with an average weight between 179.1 and 180.3 g, divided into two control groups and four treated groups (esomeprazole, curcumin, chi¬tosan, and mixture), where each group included 10 rats. All groups were treated for 30 days. In order to induce a gastric ulcer, absolute ethanol (2 mL/rat) was given orally to all groups (except the negative control ones) after a period of fasting of 20 h. All animals were sacrificed 5 h later. The gastric ulceration was studied by comparing the volume and the pH of the gastric juice, the ulcer index as well as the protective index. Our results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the values of the ulcer index and the volume of gastric juice in the esomeprazole-, curcumin-, chitosan-, and mixture-treated rats as compared to those of the positive control group. The value of the gastric juice pH exhibited a significant increase (P<0.05) in these same groups.